How much you'll spend per mile: The top 10 cheapest new cars to run

When it comes to running a car, motorists can be left scratching their heads as to how much it is going to really cost.

On the forecourt, you pay the price advertised (or haggle) and know exactly how much you are spending upfront to purchase the car.

But what about afterwards - what will the cost be in the long-run?

For instance, how much will it cost to fill the tank with petrol? What kind of service bills will the car have in the future? How much will it depreciate in value?

For the modern money-saving motorist these are crucial questions.

Now, magazine Auto Express has revealed its top ten cheapest overall cars to run and how much you'll spend per mile.

The figures are based on ownership over three years and 30,000 miles of driving, to come up with pence per mile (PPM) figures.

10. Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-I

Pence per mile (PPM): 28.2p

The Aygo is a great example of budget car design ,according to Auto Express, with robust build quality, entertaining driving dynamics and a decent 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine a recipe for success. CO2 emissions of only 105g/km ensure cheap road tax bills and it comes with a five-year warranty.

9. Chervolet Spark 1.0i

PPM: 28.1p

The Spark is a practical city car which was developed by Chevrolet to replace the Matiz. It is cheap to run, but Auto Express say that it is a car to avoid, due to its poor-quality cabin, unremarkable driving experience and unattractive looks. Prices start from £6,945.

8. Smart ForTwo CDI Pulse

PPM: 27.9p

These cars are so small that owners can park where other drivers couldn't even consider, which is ideal for tight city centres and a Smart also benefits from low running costs and low emissions. The problem is, the cars are pretty slow and it's not the best drive. It is the only diesel car in Auto Express's top 20 and came out on top of its fuel economy chart.

7. Ford KA 1.2 Studio

PPM: 27.8p

The Ka is slightly overpriced brand new and under-equipped for the money, with prices starting at £7,995. It's pretty good city car according to Auto Express, as it's easy to drive, well-built and has a high-quality feel missing from other models ranked higher up. The fuel economy of 57.7mpg is not to be sniffed at.

6. Suzuki Alto 1.0 SZ2

PPM: 27.7p

The Alto is small and has a tight turning circle, making it an ideal car for the city and for parking in tight spaces. The prices start from a reasonable £6,750 and it is mechanically identical to the Nissan Pixo, which came in at number four. A downsize is the tiny boot the vehicle comes with.

5. Hyundai i10 1.2 Classic 5dr

PPM: 27.4p

The i10 is cheap to buy, with prices starting around the £7,000 mark and every model gets air-conditioning as standard. Auto Express has it down as the best city car to own, while Whatcar? has it down as the best supermini to buy.

4. Nissan Pixo 1.0 Visia

PPM: 26.1p

The Indian-built Pixo is billed as an affordable city car for both emerging and established markets, and with prices starting at around the £7,000 mark, it is not a bad buy. The solid three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine makes this the ideal city or town run-around.

3. Kia Picanto 1.0

PPM: 25.6p

The Picanto is cheap to buy, with prices starting from £6,495 and is a cute motor. Considering its size, it has good headroom and spacey interior. The seven-year warranty that the firm offers is a big plus for the car and it does have a basic interior, but it is a no-frills, cheap way to own a new car.

2. Renault Clio 1.2 Expression A/C 5dr

PPM: 24.5p

The Clio is quiet, comfortable and nimble to drive according to Whatcar? Although it comes at a heftier price tag than many other of the cars mentioned in the piece, with prices starting from £11,000. Auto Express thinks the Clio is a better all-rounder than the winner, however it doesn't top the chart as the most cost effective car to maintain (mainly due to the price tag) but they have the car down as the best all-rounder.

1. Renault Twingo 1.2 16v Bizu

PPM: 22.9p

The Renault Twingo Bizu comes out on top as the most cost effective car to own in the UK, to complete a Renault one-two. For a
small car, it packs quite a punch, with plenty of space and a sporty
feel to the car - all of this, plus it is cheap to run and maintain. Prices start from £6,595, although the cheapest models as you would expect, come with low-rent interior. But that doesn't matter when you consider you get the most from your money from this motor.